がっくり

• Reading: がっくり
• Romaji: gakkuri
• Pronunciation: /ɡak.kɯ.ɾi/

Meaning

Heartbroken; crestfallen; dejected. Describes the feeling of sudden disappointment or loss of energy.

An adverb and onomatopoeia expressing sudden disappointment, discouragement, or physical exhaustion. Used to describe the moment when someone's spirits drop sharply — がっくりくる (to feel crushed), がっくり肩を落とす (to slump one's shoulders). Can describe both emotional deflation and physical fatigue after sustained effort.

Examples

1. 試験に落ちてがっくりと肩を落とした。 He failed the exam and slumped his shoulders in disappointment.
2. 期待していた結果が出ずがっくりした。 The results he had been hoping for didn't come through, and he was crushed.
3. 長時間の作業でがっくり疲れが出た。 After hours of work, he was suddenly hit by exhaustion.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, disappointment, daily life, sports

Tone: negative

Origin & History

A Japanese mimetic word (擬態語) imitating the physical sensation of suddenly drooping or collapsing. The sharp がっ sound conveys the abruptness of the emotional or physical drop.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal